Hanoi Porridge

Hanoi Porridge: The Taste of Morning Life in Phố Phủ Yên Thợ Backpacker Alley

When talking about Hanoi, the ancient northern capital of Vietnam, full of historical charm and truly vibrant local life, one experience I, mr.hotsia, never miss on every visit is sitting down to eat authentic Vietnamese porridge at the backpacker alley in Phố Phủ Yên Thợ, located in the heart of Hanoi near the old church that serves as a landmark of this area.

This alley has a unique charm as it gathers backpackers from all over the world and locals who come together from early morning. The porridge shop at the alley entrance is very popular among both Vietnamese and tourists, especially Vietnamese girls who park their motorbikes and enjoy simple porridge meals, and an increasing number of Korean tourists recently.

I, mr.hotsia, like to squat by the roadside, breathing in the city's atmosphere while scooping hot porridge into my mouth. The Vietnamese porridge here is unlike any other because it is served with fried dough sticks (patongko) cut into small pieces with scissors. When eating, you scoop the patongko pieces into the porridge. The taste is smooth and balanced, and you get to enjoy the crispy outside and soft inside texture of the patongko, adding an incredible dimension to the bowl of porridge.

The roadside atmosphere here is full of people passing by, both locals and tourists. Watching the daily life of Hanoi residents who are unhurried, even though it is the capital city, simplicity remains in every view. Opposite the porridge shop is a popular bánh mì shop with a different flavor but equally loved by locals and travelers. It is one of the must-stop spots when visiting Hanoi.

Coming to Hanoi is not just about the capital city but the start of an adventure.

From my experience, mr.hotsia, visiting Hanoi is like experiencing the Chiang Mai of Vietnam — a city blending old and modern perfectly. The weather is not too hot, ideal for resting after traveling to Sapa or Ha Long Bay. Moreover, Hanoi is the northern hub convenient for connecting to other provinces or backpacking trips.

For travel here, I recommend flying direct from Vientiane with Lao Airlines, with fares around 4,000 baht, which is affordable and very convenient. Alternatively, taking the train or sleeper bus is another interesting option, especially if you have time and want to experience the lifestyle along the Laos-Vietnam route.Read more about backpacking in HanoiThat I have written before

Upon arriving at Hanoi airport, my favorite way is to take bus number 17, which is economical and takes you into the city at a relaxed pace. It suits those who like to observe local life and are not in a hurry, unlike vans or taxis which may be more convenient but much more expensive.

Hanoi Porridge and Its Unique Roadside Lifestyle

Back to Hanoi porridge in Phố Phủ Yên Thợ alley, sitting and eating porridge by the roadside reminds me of simple happiness that we often overlook. The fragrant porridge, tender rice cooked until soft, mixed with crispy yet soft patongko cut into small pieces. Blowing on a spoonful before eating in the morning while watching people pass by is an experience I, mr.hotsia, assure you cannot find anywhere else.

Besides porridge, this area also has bánh mì with a completely different taste. The bánh mì shop opposite is equally popular, offering a quick and delicious breakfast option for those continuing their journey or eager to explore the city.

If you love local food and want to experience the true lifestyle of Hanoi people, stopping by Phố Phủ Yên Thợ alley for roadside porridge is a must. I, mr.hotsia, am confident you will get both the perfect taste and atmosphere.

A Learning Place and Resting Spot for Travelers

Hanoi is not just a capital full of history but also a resting place and learning center for travelers who enjoy deep travel experiences. I personally choose Hanoi as a base to travel to northern Vietnam destinations like Sapa or Ha Long Bay due to its convenient transportation and variety of local accommodations and food that rival other cities.

If you are interested in full travel experiences or looking for tours in southern Vietnam, I have written aboutBuying Tours in Ho Chi Minh CityBoth Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have their unique charm and differences worth exploring.

Finally...

For anyone planning to visit northern Vietnam, don’t forget to spend a morning at Phố Phủ Yên Thợ alley in Hanoi to experience authentic Vietnamese porridge along with charming roadside life full of stories waiting for you to discover. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee this breakfast happiness will make you love Hanoi even more.